Load testing of HVHZ connections

[Vernon Leslie]

Section 2003.7.5 of the Florida Building Code provides that: “All connection devices shall be rated by load testing by an approved testing laboratory.” I’m not acquainted with any connections presently used that meet these standards. This section pertains to aluminum structures in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones, i.e. Dade and Broward Counties. Section 2001, which covers the rest of the Florida, doesn’t appear to impose a similar requirement.

 

Has anyone been asked by building officials for testing data and/or have information on compliant connections? Please post whatever information you may have.

 

This is a link for the relevant code section: http://ecodes.iccsafe.org/icce/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=icc:florida_building

           

Thanks,

Vern

ve...@enclosuredesigns.com

 

 

[David W Miller]

In the most generic sense, a "connection device" might be construed to mean a screw and/or bolt, and is not necessarily a connection detail in its entirety.

 

I suggest you direct your question to A. Mark Scala, P.E., Chief Code Compliance Officer, Broward County Board of Rules & Appeals (asc...@broward.org)

 

D. Miller

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From: Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com [mailto:Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Vernon Leslie
Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 1:35 PM
To: Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Load testing of HVHZ connections

[Vernon Leslie]

David,

 

Thank you for the response. I also consider any union of two or more members or structures to fall within the scope of the section.

 

I’m a little concerned about bring up the issue with a government official without having a readily available solution. Unless I’m missing something, every connection must be physically validated by an approved testing facility. I don’t believe this has been accomplished.

 

Vern

[Michael Sonsini]

I am not going to ask the question and remind him for a potential problem he is not aware. I am asking for building code related questions be prepared to be answered. If it's a code requirement then we should prepare for challenges that we aren't currently prepared with answers. All I want to know, isn't this similar to the PSI test failure results and no answers or solutions for new attachment connections?
We'll discuss it this weekend if desired.

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________________________________

Thanks,

Vern

ve...@enclosuredesigns.com

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[Vernon Leslie]

Mike,

 

PSI tested the rigidity (spring rate) of connections not the capacity (strength). The results were used to improve the fidelity of the FEA models and would be of little relevance to building officials.

 

Shutter manufactures routinely have physical testing performed to obtain product approvals, and building official frequently request load testing results for balcony railing used in multi floor buildings. It appears that connections used for screen enclosures in Broward and Dade also require testing.

 

I seeking information regarding any testing that has been performed because I'm not aware of any. This could be fodder for attorneys in the event of a hurricane decimating enclosures in the HVHZ. Homeowners will be looking for someone to pay for their losses because the insurance companies won't be. So I agree with you that this is something that responsible contractors should confront before it becomes a problem.

 

Vern

[Michael Sonsini]

What company performs these tests?

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-----Original Message-----
From: Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com <Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com>
To: Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com <Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Tue Jun 03 19:30:33 2008
Subject: RE: Load testing of HVHZ connections

Mike,

Vern

CONFIDENTIALITY: The information contained in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information. It is intended only for the use of the person(s) names above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the original message.

[Vernon Leslie]

Mike,

Hurricane Test Laboratory is a local accredited facility with a national
presence, but there are many more. This is their web site: www.htltest.com

Vern

[Brian Smith]

Hello All,

What ever happened with the PSI Testing did anyone get the results
other that the Chapter President and Vice President?
I am glad to see that people are still posting to this board.

Brian Smith
561-662-1784
Bssc...@yahoo.com

[Michael Sonsini]

Hi Brian,
I am at the state AAF meeting now. The results of the PSI project is
being with held as you know until the balance $17,600 is paid. When the
motion of the PSI testing was made a motion by Stephen Raskin, during
the discussion mode, Stephen explained that the cost is more then the
ability of the chapter. During the discussion of the test cost, Stephen
pledged he and Greg will finance the balance of the cost if he was not
able to seek the funds form outside sources. That's the status of the
PSI issue. There is a rumor that PSI is going to publish the negative
test results to the media and building departments, per Natasha's
conversation with Gary Prus of PSI, attempting to get our chapter's
attention. Our chapter is disbanded for 2008 and we have inherited the
debt that was promised to be paid by Stephen.
Buchanan has privately hired PSI for Buchanan's present tested
designs.

-----Original Message-----
From: Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com
[mailto:Aluminum-Struct...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of

Hello All,

Brian Smith
561-662-1784
Bssc...@yahoo.com

CONFIDENTIALITY: The information contained in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information. It is intended only for the use of the person(s) names above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the original message.

[Stephen Raskin]

To Mike Sonsini

I hate to use such harsh words but you lie. Greg Miller and I Never Pledged
to pay any balance. When the original motion was made at a State meeting I
said that we did not expect to go over the budget and if we did we will do
what we can to cover any small shortfall. Meaning the PBC Chapter. I said
That I hope that we would not have to come back to the State for more money.

As you well know, not all of the chapter members paid their assessment, a
test fixture was to be made by Adam Pazziglia and Vern Leslie and that was
not done, and several members of our chapter, including Greg, You and Myself
and I believe Richard all made test joints and some of those were made
incorrectly and PSI incurred some expenses in order to do the tests
properly. The above are the reasons for the shortfall. Why don't you put up
some money where your big mouth is.

Do not lie in an attempt to discredit Greg and myself.

If PSI publishes the results and if it has a negative effect on the industry
then you all can take blame. The members finger pointing and negative
attitude will be their downfall. Let the chips fall where they fall.

Buchanan Screen & Rail
Stephen S. Raskin
President
 
1143 Gateway Blvd
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
Phone: 561-424-0800
Fax: 561-424-0809
E-Mail: S...@buchananscreen.com

Hello All,

Brian Smith
561-662-1784
Bssc...@yahoo.com

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11:17 AM

[adam]

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Stephen

After you threw me off the PSI project and manged to get Vern out of
the AAF you really think I would volonteer my time and money to build
the fixture. What are you smoking!!!!! You and your commitee members
sent out plans to have parts made and that did not match what PSI
needed. We all rebuilt them and resubmitted.


You got your connections in the book and you were going to give
them to the industry for free. Oh wait then you changed that to you
had to recoup what you spent so you sent out an email to suppliers (I
did not personaly see the email) about getting a royalty from the
suppliers to cover your cost. I think you said you had to cover the
cost of Bill and Johns time. (your employees) . Well Steve you would
not have your new connections without the first APP.$80,000.00 OF
MONEY RAISED FOR THE PSI TESTING. So the way I see it you used our
money to test your connections that we can not buy that you give to
your salesman to undermine us as buissness that we are not building
fully tested enclosures. Do not repond that anyone could have done
this ( new connections) and hired PSI to test. Why should we you were
going to let us buy yours!!!!!!!!!!


I have got to go but I will be writing a whole lot more. Hey Mike
are you still giving out aaf warranties??????? Is Dave Miller up
there?? It was Dave that said at the last board meeting that I
attended the AAF does not want results if they are negative. You all
have a great group . I thought the AAF was supposed to stand for
better standards.
What bullshitt!!

Adam

[Michael Sonsini]

I stopped the warranties when the chapter decided. On my next contract order, I deleted the warranty printing on top. It was a good chapter income vehicle when it was acceptable.
David is there and we are still discussing the project and what to do with it.
Thanks for participating your thoughts.
Mike

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